During an in-depth interview, Rolling Stone’s Brian Hiatt asked Kendrick Lamar if it’s okay for rappers to have ghostwriters, he responded saying: “It depends on what arena you’re putting yourself in. I called myself the best rapper. I cannot call myself the best rapper if I have a ghostwriter. If you’re saying you’re a different type of artist and you don’t really care about the art form of being the best rapper, then so be it. Make great music. But the title, it won’t be there.”

While many will take that as a jab at Drake for all of the ghostwriting accusations as of late, Kendrick Lamar also had positive things to say about the Canadian rapper. Rolling Stone asked Kendrick Lamar what his favorite Drake song is and he responded: “I got a lot of favorite Drake songs. Can’t name one off the back,” continuing “he has plenty.” He also stated that he likes to hear Drake both sing and rap.

But Kendrick Lamar also said this while discussing number ones….

You have a Number One record, which means, on some level, you’re a pop artist.
It gets tricky because you can have that one big record, but you can still have that integrity at the same time. Not many can do it … wink-wink [laughs]. Still have them raps going crazy on that album and have a Number One record, wink-wink. Call it whatever you want to call it. As long as the artist remains true to the craft of hip-hop and the culture of it, it is what it is.

Wink-wink…I think he dissed Drake.

Kendrick Lamar also touched on Donald Trump:

Other than a few lyrics, you’ve been quiet about Donald Trump. Why?

I mean, it’s like beating a dead horse. We already know what it is. Are we gonna keep talking about it or are we gonna take action? You just get to a point where you’re tired of talking about it. It weighs you down and it drains your energy when you’re speaking about something or someone that’s completely ridiculous. So, on and off the album, I took it upon myself to take action in my own community. On the record, I made an action to not speak about what’s going on in the world or the places they put us in. Speak on self; reflection of self first. That’s where the initial change will start from.

The Compton, California rapper also opened up about sounding like Jay-Z on his early mixtapes, finding his style, and changing his name from K-Dot to Kendrick Lamar:

On your earliest mixtape, from when you were 16, there are points where you sound just like Jay-Z.

Oh, yeah. That was my guy. Still is. I’m still a fan. That was just a page I took out of his book, to be able to carry a lyric through conversation and make it feel like I’m sitting right here talking to you.

When did you truly find your own style?

I think it was the day I said I was gonna go by my real name, Kendrick Lamar.

Instead of K-Dot?

Yeah. And really just tell my story. Once I did that, it was easier for me to find my own voice, because nobody can tell my story the way I tell it.

]]>https://rapdose.com/kendrick-lamar-says-rappers-that-have-ghostwriters-cant-be-the-best/feed/0141033Meek Mill On Running Into 50 Cent And Making Peacehttps://rapdose.com/meek-mill-on-running-into-50-cent-and-making-peace/
https://rapdose.com/meek-mill-on-running-into-50-cent-and-making-peace/#respondMon, 24 Jul 2017 21:11:38 +0000https://rapdose.com/?p=136400During a sit down interview with Angie Martinez, Meek Mill opened up about his beef with 50 Cent, which is now in the past....

During a sit down interview with Angie Martinez, Meek Mill opened up about his beef with 50 Cent, which is now in the past. According to Meek Mill, the two men had a run in and handled their issues like grown men. He explained how the beef came to happen because of his affiliation with Slowbucks and Rick Ross. The issues between the two grew via social media posts, and Meek dissed 50 on songs, but quickly things were squashed in the streets. The run in happened over 9 months ago.

A post shared by A Tru Lady (@suchalady.85) on Jul 23, 2017 at 11:08am PDT

Meek Mill is on a promo run for his stellar new album, Wins & Losses. During another radio interview with Hot 97, Meek Mill ruffled Trick Daddy‘s feathers. Trick Daddy reacted on Instagram with a video screaming at Meek Mill. Watch the hilarious but not to be taken lightly video below.

Kendrick Lamar appears on the cover of Interview magazine’s latest issue. He sat down for an exclusive interview with Dave Chappelle for the “Our Greatest Living Rapper” cover story. In the mag, Dave Chappelle recalls seeing Kendrick live in Australia. He had just finished performing with Eminem. Dave gets Kendrick to open up about self-expression in Rap, having LeBron James as a fan, visiting Africa, and more. Dave Chappelle talks about his favorite songs from DAMN, and even reveals Mos Def put him on to Kendrick Lamar.

CHAPPELLE: The last time I saw you was in Australia with J. Cole—you had just performed with Eminem. A lot’s happened since then.

LAMAR: Definitely. How you been?

CHAPPELLE: I’ve been great. I want to start by asking you about a recent scandal in the comedy world: Kathy Griffin and the picture of her holding Donald Trump’s decapitated head. My question for you is not about politics, but about the content in your work. In comedy right now, the issue is, “When does a comedian go too far?” And I imagine in hip-hop that’s been a long-standing debate—even when I was coming up, when Bill Clinton went after Sister Souljah. When you write, how much do you think about the repercussions of anything you might say?

LAMAR: When I look at comedy—at Richard Pryor, at you—it’s all self-expression. I apply that same method to my music. I came up listening to N.W.A and Snoop. Like them, it’s in me to express how I feel. You might like it or you might not, but I take that stand.

CHAPPELLE: I have this thing when I write jokes; I call it my unseen audience. I’ll think of certain people when I’m writing certain types of jokes. For instance: “What would my mother say?” Who do you think about when you write? Are you thinking about the streets? A lot of your work is openly spiritual and contemplative.

LAMAR: I really focus on what my fans will take from it, people living their day-to-day lives. At the end of the day, the music isn’t for me; it’s for people who are going through their struggles and want to relate to someone who feels the same way they do. I’ve got to take Mom out of the equation. I’ve got to go all-in, expressing myself, right there in the moment.

CHAPPELLE: What did you think when LeBron James, after an amazing, clutch performance [in a historic, 26-point comeback win during the playoffs], was like, “I just listened to DAMN. and got amped.”

LAMAR: Moments like that … If I hadn’t expressed myself in the studio, who’s to say he would have been listening to the album? LeBron James or the little boy around the corner, we come from the same struggles, and it comes out of my mouth for them to relate to.

CHAPPELLE: I know you’re a big Tupac fan. And Tupac used to talk about this phenomenon, as he got successful, that he was out of context. He’d say, “Where am I supposed to go? I can’t be around the ‘hood anymore, and they don’t want me in the Hollywood Hills. Where am I supposed to go?” Have you run into any altitude sickness from your ascent, fighting all the way up to where you are now?

LAMAR: I think I’m still growing. The more people I meet, the more cultures I start to embrace, the more people I open myself up to—it’s a growing process I’m excited about. But it’s also a challenge for me, to be at this level and still be able to connect with somebody who’s living that everyday life. At first it was something I struggled with, because everything was moving so fast. I didn’t know how to digest it. The best thing I did was go back to the city of Compton, to touch the people who I grew up with and tell them the stories of the people I met around the world. Making To Pimp a Butterfly was me navigating those experiences. I went to Africa and I was like, “This is something I can enjoy and something I can challenge myself with.”

CHAPPELLE: Was Africa your “Oh, shit, I made it” moment?

LAMAR: I went to South Africa—Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg—and those were definitely the “I’ve arrived” shows. Outside of the money, the success, the accolades … This is a place that we, in urban communities, never dream of. We never dream of Africa. Like, “Damn, this is the motherland.” You feel it as soon as you touch down. That moment changed my whole perspective on how to convey my art.

CHAPPELLE: Me and Mos Def argue about this all the time. Mos is of the belief that a person with a platform has a responsibility to other people. It’s the old adage, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” I don’t necessarily agree with that. I think some people can make conscious records, and some people can make booty records, and other people can make whatever the fuck they want records. But what do you feel, personally, when you’re making a record? Do you have a mission statement? What, if anything, do you hope to accomplish with your platform?

LAMAR: As I’ve grown as an artist, I’ve learned that my mission statement is really self-expression. I don’t want anybody to classify my music. I want them to say, “This is somebody who’s recognizing his true feelings, his true emotions, ideas, thoughts, opinions, and views on the world, all on one record.” I want people to recognize that and to take it and apply it to their own lives. You know what I’m saying? The more and more I get out and talk to different people, I realize they appreciate that—me being unapologetic in whatever views and approach I have.

CHAPPELLE: That’s the way I like to do it, as well: go for broke. It feels better to just say it. Is “Duckworth” [a track on DAMN. in which Lamar narrates the story of his father, “Ducky,” preventing an armed robbery, as well as his own potential murder, at the KFC where he was then working to provide for Lamar] a true story?

LAMAR: True story, and one of my favorite records on the album.

CHAPPELLE: A profound story, too. I like the meditation of it.

LAMAR: The idea that I wanted to put across from that event was one of perspective. Everybody has their own perspective, and recognizing someone else’s perspective blows my mind a hundred thousand percent. The way that event unfolded … I had to sit down and ask my pops, “What was your perspective at the moment?” And, “Did you ever think it would come around full circle like that?” That always fascinated me.

CHAPPELLE: Is it strange to hear people interpret your lyrics, the depth that they find in your work? The week the album came out, all these kids were telling me about digging into the songs and picking out clues. I don’t think every artist is listened to that way.

LAMAR: Everybody has their own way of hearing songs. My fans are usually pretty on point. Sometimes they go all the way to the bottom of it. It’s fascinating to me how far an idea can go. I wrote most of my first album in my mom’s kitchen, and now I can go around the world and hear people recite those lyrics, and understand the story, even though they’re not from the same area I grew up in.

CHAPPELLE: How did you feel putting out the new album? Sometimes you put something out and you don’t know what it’s going to do. But other times—like a Steph Curry shot—it just feels good when the wrist snaps, and it’s like, “Oh, this shit’s going in.” Are you having fun?

LAMAR: Definitely. I’m enjoying that people aren’t only listening to the album, but hearing the album. To go on that stage and perform that record, that’s the most fun I have. I get a full party every night.

CHAPPELLE: Do you develop a lot of new material from touring?

LAMAR: It comes from everywhere. I think now it initially starts on tour. I like to talk to people; I don’t care if it’s a kid or an 80-year-old woman, I talk to people. Then I return to the studio and see what comes together at the end of the day—but it’s definitely a process.

CHAPPELLE: It seems like you maintain your relationships well, that you’re paying attention to them. Have the changes in your lifestyle made it harder to do that?

LAMAR: It will never be easy. There are so many people pulling at me at one time—some want the business, some want my love, some just want my support, just to be there or to acknowledge them the same way I used to. To be able to figure that out is an ongoing process, because there’s always another show, another album, another moment that I don’t want to miss. But I’m pacing myself. I hope the powers that be keep me on a straight course.

CHAPPELLE: From the outside looking in, you’re doing beautifully, man. Your work is great, and you seem grounded and centered and focused. When I was your age, I used to fuck up all the time. [laughs] Hopefully, I can catch one of your shows on the road. I’ve heard nothing but good things. As a matter of fact, the first time I heard about you was through Mos, who told me years ago, “You’ve got to watch this kid.”

]]>https://rapdose.com/kendrick-lamar-greatest-living-rapper-interview-dave-chappelle/feed/01352122 Chainz Talks About Working On Eminem’s New Albumhttps://rapdose.com/2-chainz-talks-working-eminems-new-album/
https://rapdose.com/2-chainz-talks-working-eminems-new-album/#respondMon, 10 Jul 2017 18:08:12 +0000https://rapdose.com/?p=1351312 Chainz sat down with DJ Drama for an interview on Shade 45 over the weekend. During the in-depth interview, 2 Chainz spilled the...

]]>Watch 2 Chainz Speak With DJ Drama About Being In The Studio With Eminem

2 Chainz sat down with DJ Drama for an interview on Shade 45 over the weekend. During the in-depth interview, 2 Chainz spilled the beans on working with Eminem on new music. The “Pretty Girls Like Trap Music” rapper explained how the collaboration came about and revealed its for Eminem‘s new album. Eminem’s right hand man Denaun Porter called 2 Chainz during BET Awards weekend and requested a visit. 2 Chainz knew music was going to be recorded but didn’t know if it was for D12 or Eminem. Denaun explained to 2 Chainz that he wanted him to recite a chorus and provide ad-libs to Em’s raps. 2 Chainz met at Rick Rubin’s house to record, but told Eminem he doesn’t recite anything another artist wrote. He told Eminem to cut his whole second verse and make space so he could rap. Eminem complied and 2 Chainz smoked some weed and hit the booth. After recording his verse Eminem told 2 Chainz he could forget about recording ad-libs because the entire concept of the song changed. 2 Chainz told DJ Drama that the environment felt competitive.

Kendrick Lamar stopped by Power 106 to promote The DAMN Tour. The tour is coming to a city near you. Travis Scott and D.R.A.M. are joining in on the fun as well. The Compton emcee discussed more than just his tour with Power 106. He also talked about his sister’s graduation gift, the passing of Prodigy, big checks, and more. Peep the full interview below. It’s over 30 minutes long and more in-depth than you’d expect.

]]>https://rapdose.com/kendrick-lamar-talks-graduation-gifts-damn-tour-prodigy-goat/feed/0134833GLC Says Kanye West Lost Sight Of The Culturehttps://rapdose.com/glc-says-kanye-west-lost-sight-culture/
https://rapdose.com/glc-says-kanye-west-lost-sight-culture/#respondMon, 22 May 2017 14:30:23 +0000https://rapdose.com/?p=133781GLC, a longtime friend of Kanye West, opened up about the rapper. He explained his relationship with Kanye West and compared real life to...

GLC, a longtime friend of Kanye West, opened up about the rapper. He explained his relationship with Kanye West and compared real life to the movie Get Out. He says Kanye West lost sight of the culture. GLC blames the death of Kanye’s mom, Ye surrounding himself with yes men, and drowning out his real friends. GLC breaks down how Kanye is adapting to being in the Kardashian family. Bruce Jenner becoming Caitlyn Jenner, supporting Trump, insane rants, hospitalization, and more plays a role in his craziness. Listen to the interview below.

It’s crazy to hear GLC talk about Kanye West as if he’s a thing of the past. Talking about who Kanye has become, GLC brought up Kanye dying his hair and how Ye used to make fun of Sisqo, Dennis Rodman, and Wesley Snipes doing the same thing. “When you’re a sponge, whatever you’re around, you become,” GLC says speaking on Kanye West adapting to Kim Kardashian’s lifestyle.

]]>https://rapdose.com/glc-says-kanye-west-lost-sight-culture/feed/0133781Playboi Carti Talks Magnolia, Mystery, Respecting Old Heads & Morehttps://rapdose.com/playboi-carti-talks-magnolia-mystery-respecting-old-heads/
https://rapdose.com/playboi-carti-talks-magnolia-mystery-respecting-old-heads/#respondThu, 04 May 2017 12:36:35 +0000https://rapdose.com/?p=133234Playboi Carti appeared on Hot 97’s morning show for an interview with Peter Rosenberg and Laura Stylez. In the interview he talked about respecting...

Playboi Carti appeared on Hot 97’s morning show for an interview with Peter Rosenberg and Laura Stylez. In the interview he talked about respecting old heads, his musical influences, being mysterious, and his bubbling track “Magnolia”. The popular song appears on Playboi Carti’s self-titled new project.

]]>https://rapdose.com/playboi-carti-talks-magnolia-mystery-respecting-old-heads/feed/0133234Max B Talks Prison Release & New Single With French Montana & The Weekndhttps://rapdose.com/max-b-talks-prison-release-new-single-french-montana-weeknd/
https://rapdose.com/max-b-talks-prison-release-new-single-french-montana-weeknd/#respondTue, 25 Apr 2017 12:11:39 +0000https://rapdose.com/?p=133035Max B’s prison release may come sooner than expected and he already has big plans for new music . During a phone interview...

Max B’s prison release may come sooner than expected and he already has big plans for new music . During a phone interview with Hot 97’s Funkmaster Flex, Max B updated fans on the status of his prison release and discussed new music. French Montana was also on the line and spilled the beans on a new song featuring Max B and The Weeknd. Listen to the full interview below.

According to French Montana, we can expect the song to drop the last week of May. Max B doesn’t have a set prison release date. Stay tuned for more.

Kendrick Lamar recently appeared with Zane Lowe in California for an in-depth interview. Kendrick Lamar talked about his new album DAMN, revealed meanings behind some songs and gave insight to popular theories. Kendrick also talked about his inspirations, Jay-Z, Eminem and Tupac.

Kendrick Lamar Beats Drake In First Week Sales

Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN opened to phenomenal numbers and is #1 on the sales plus streaming chart. Kendrick blew Drake’s More Life out of the water, opening to an impressive 610,000 copies (SPS) in the USA and 300 million streams. Drake previously opened to 505,000 sales of More Life and 385 million streams. DAMN managed to sell 360,000 physical units.

Pusha T, D.R.A.M. and Fam-Lay recently sat down for an interview with Pharrell and Scott Vener on Beats 1. They talked about Hip Hop, what they’re working on and more. Pusha T touched on his new album, King Push, and promised it’s coming soon.

]]>https://rapdose.com/pusha-t-d-r-m-fam-lay-othertone/feed/0132403Trey Songz Interview With The Breakfast Club & Hot 97https://rapdose.com/trey-songz-interview-with-the-breakfast-club-hot-97/
https://rapdose.com/trey-songz-interview-with-the-breakfast-club-hot-97/#respondFri, 24 Mar 2017 13:53:46 +0000http://rapdose.com/?p=132144With his new album Tremaine out now, Trey Songz returned to The Breakfast Club for an interview with Angela Yee, DJ Envy and Charlamagne...

With his new album Tremaine out now, Trey Songz returned to The Breakfast Club for an interview with Angela Yee, DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God. He also stopped by Hot 97 for an interview with Nessa. He talked about the new project, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Keke Palmer and much more.

To promote his upcoming album All-Amerikkan Badass, Joey Badass stopped by Hot 97 and talked to Nessa about the project, J. Cole feature, being inspired by Chance the Rapper, Troy Ave beef and much more.

]]>https://rapdose.com/joey-badass-interview-hot-97/feed/0132127B.o.B. Interview With Sway In The Morninghttps://rapdose.com/b-o-b-interview-sway-morning/
https://rapdose.com/b-o-b-interview-sway-morning/#respondThu, 02 Mar 2017 07:08:05 +0000http://rapdose.com/?p=131315After an interview with Ebro In The Morning yesterday, B.o.B stopped by Sway In The Morning for another sit down. He once again spoke...

After an interview with Ebro In The Morning yesterday, B.o.B stopped by Sway In The Morning for another sit down. He once again spoke on the earth being flat and his relationship with Sevyn Streeter, why he didn’t vote in the election, the Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj beef, his upcoming project Elements and more.

After covering The Source’s first ever digital-only issue last year, Fetty Wap graces the cover yet again alongside fellow Remy Boy Monty. They discuss upcoming new music, their business ventures including their mobile app Fetty Nitro Nation Stories and Remy Boyz clothing line and more.

]]>https://rapdose.com/fetty-wap-monty-cover-source/feed/0131300Mozzy Interview & Freestyle With Sway In The Morninghttps://rapdose.com/mozzy-interview-sway-morning/
https://rapdose.com/mozzy-interview-sway-morning/#respondThu, 02 Mar 2017 05:39:29 +0000http://rapdose.com/?p=131286Sacramento rapper Mozzy stopped by Sway In The Morning for an interview. He discussed growing up in the streets of Sacramento, doing prison time,...

Sacramento rapper Mozzy stopped by Sway In The Morning for an interview. He discussed growing up in the streets of Sacramento, doing prison time, changing his life, making it on his own and much more. His Fake Famous project is out now.